Pen who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Super trip! | All trail rides were nose-to-tail in order of fastest horse first (behind the wrangler/guide) and slowest horse at the back. This meant you couldn't necessarily ride with your companion/partner. Very little chatting on the rides, and the wrangler/guides varied as to how chatty they were. There was no trotting/jogging, only walk and canter/lope. You could choose from 4 rides a day, either fast rides (3 or 4 canters) or slow rides (walk only) and sometimes cattle sorting and cattle penning (super fun!). Although the routes were different each day, the scenery was exactly the same each day, beautiful desert, just not very varied. A couple of routes were really rocky, steep and treacherous (really exciting!), but the horses were totally unfazed. The horses were pre-programmed to follow the one in front, and they were bombproof, so ideal for nervous/novice riders.

Liz who has been on 10 In The Saddle rides. Dolphin Trail and dawn beach gallops | Excellent

Samia who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic! | The riding met my expectations, great horses very responsive and very gentle to handle.
I was able to ride 4 different horses during my trip it was really enjoyable.

Janet who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Loved my ponio! | The horses were amazing - they knew their job and were very sure footed in all types of terrain.
They knew the 'rules' and were not going to stray away from the herd!
From my personal view I would have preferred to ride shorter distances and trot more as opposed to walk most of the time - but I did realise I was signing up for a trek at mostly walk

Helen (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Fabulous!! | The horses were great, sure footed and knew their jobs. Neck reined and ridden on the buckle end. They literally did not put a hoof wrong. Don’t expect well schooled horses but they know their job perfectly and you quickly learn to trust them and their ability over some very tricky terrain. Saddles were comfortable for long hours. The terrain is tough going. Vertigo sufferers will struggle with the sheer drops and narrow paths etc. and definitely worth getting as fit as possible before hand as there are some tough parts done on foot.

Lidia (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) One of the best holiday experience ever done | Excellent

Oisin who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Wonderful Riding in Namibia! | A wonderful riding experience! The riding guides, Hannah and Anna, were absolutely superb. They knew the best places to ride, were friendly and I always felt very safe. Also, it is exciting to canter on the Savannah! So many animals to see, a real experience. Riders were in two different groups each day, depending on ability. This means Kambaku is great for both experience riders and complete novices. I was personally in the group for the more experienced riders and we had plenty of trot and canter. The horses are very well cared for. I rode a young thoroughbred (Zavi) and a large warmblood (Simba). Superb horses. Knew their stuff and no problems whatsoever. The sundowners after a fun riding experience were so good! Also I would recommend the bush breakfast, which was out in the wild during a horse ride, but very civilized including white linen tablecloth! I found the whole area very relaxing, combined with exciting adventures on horseback! I would highly recommend Kambaku.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thanks so much for your lovely feedback. We're delighted that you enjoyed your stay at Kambaku].

Sarah who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Horse Holiday Dream | Amazing horses & instruction.
Only comment was that there was a very last minute change to an instructor. The initial riding schedule seemed balanced so we received different people. However, this was changed very last minute which was very disappointing as I had been looking forward to his class for the days I was there). As I was only having two lessons, I did not have an opportunity again.
It also seemed a lot of the evening activities were cancelled. This was not communicated why & as I only joined on the Weds, it didn;t seem like they need to update me.

Fiona (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) The most amazing holiday! | The riding was brilliant, various terrains, absolutely stunning scenery. Everyone had choices regarding trail rides, liberty work and lessons. Everyone was well catered for.
The horses were so well cared for by knowledgeable people, so well trained and everyone was matched up perfectly with their horses.

Adam (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing Safari Adventure | The riding safari exceeded our expectations. The guides and staff were very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. We would love to go back.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your feedback. It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyd your holiday at Ant's Lodges.]

Marion (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing landscapes of Kyrgyzstan | I kind of missed the variety of riding. Of the 7 days on horseback, we only galloped on one day, the rest being walk.

Lise who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. It was a great experience to ride the cool Icelandic horses. Exciting to try many different horses and explore a new way of riding.
[In The Saddle replies - We are so glad you enjoyed the exciting riding in Iceland]

Dru who has been on 9 In The Saddle rides. A fantastic holiday in the Northern Macedonian Mountains | The horses were very well looked after and were fun to ride at all speeds. My horse was sure-footed over often rocky terrain and easy to mount and dis-mount from. The guides were very competent and helpful and it was a luxury not having to tack up or groom the horses yourself. The western-style saddles were very comfortable over long distances and the saddle bags were easy to use and didn't slide around when cantering. The long canters across the grassy plains were great fun and we mostly didn't have to stay in a line, meaning we had the freedom to go at our own pace and not worry about overtaking the guide! The whole trip was very well organised.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your lovely feedback, it's great to hear how much you enjoyed the riding.]

Rose (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) The best riding holiday I have been on | Exhilarating riding on fit, forward going horses. Vasko took the time to listen to our previous experience and what kind of horses we enjoy riding and perfectly matched us all with our horses. [Caron from In the Saddle replies: Thank you for your lovely feedback, it is great to hear that you were so well matched with your horse.]

Elizabeth (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Amazing experience | Very sure footed horses. I was surprised just how fit they are. We had plenty of very long canters and they were immediately ready for more.
All 4 horses I rode were sensible but enthusiastic. The horses and tack were all in good condition.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your lovely feedback, we are so pleased you enjoyed your holiday to Ant's.]

Caroline (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) An incredible adventure | This riding experience was amazing. The horses were well suited to your capabilities - from absolute beginners to experienced. There was a great choice of well looked after horses of different breeds -all so adorable, well behaved and so keen. The grooms did their best to allocate you your choice of horse with a different one each ride or sticking to the same one you fell in love with!
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: It's wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed your holiday to Ant's, it really is a wonderful destination.]

Nina who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Incredibly beautiful and joyful | This was a once-in-a-lifetime holiday for me, riding my favourite horses through the breathtaking landscape of my favourite country. The trail takes you from the lower lands of the farms through lava fields and craters right up to the velvety green mountains and, eventually, to the colourful area of Langmannalaugur.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your feedback, it's wonderful to hear that you had such a fantastic holiday in Iceland.]

On the six-day trip I rode 11 horses (I had one a few times), and all were confident and fit. There was not a single horse on our trail that I thought they shouldn't be here. The herd gets on so well, and no matter if we rode in front or behind the herd, I always felt safe and in control of the ride. Corinna, who led our tour, was always at hand to help if anyone had concerns, as were Lisa and Christin.

Riding is only one part of this trip, and I was really lucky with my group of 18 guests. Like me, many of them were solo travellers, so getting to know each other was important. The shared accommodation ensured that we got to know each other quickly, and Sophie's wonderful dinners ensured that we went to bed happy every night.

Rebecca who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. An awesome place, great variety of riding, lovely horses and staff | Moolmanshoek exceeded my expectations, I did a variety of riding across from week from high mountain trails to endurance training to chilled hacks. It was great to see the game while out riding. The horses were a local South African breed and Arabs for the endurance, I got to ride many different horses while there and they were all super lovely but with spark and they enjoyed what they did. We wre only a small group of 2 however riding preferences were catered for, for example I asked for a faster rider and was taken out individually for this and I was also able to join the endurance training which I loved!

[Abbie from ITS replies: Many thanks for your feedback. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your riding holiday at Moolmanshoek].

Cecilia who has been on 6 In The Saddle rides. Surprising | Amazing the professionalism of Maria, Sara, Jessy and Anna

Emma who has been on 7 In The Saddle rides. Fantastic time | The riding was great. The horses were well cared for by Pedro and Marianna, they were clearly part of the family.

Sadie who has been on 4 In The Saddle rides. As good as it gets!! | Fast riding on fit horses in constantly changing scenery

Barak who has been on 2 In The Saddle rides. Perfect, wonderful holiday! | Everything was just perfect!
Pedro, Mariana and Lisa were just wonderful, took care of every little detail with kindness and professionalism.
The horses were wonderful, the rides were just beautiful, adapted to our desires, abilities and preferences.
Green hills, amazing scenery, herds of wild horses, streams of clear water, fun rides and canters - what can be better?

James (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Magical experience | What an experience. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our time at Monte Velho. The people, horses, facilities, accomodation, food and everything else was brilliant. The tranquility of the location is fantastic and as a novice rider getting the opportunity to be taught by such fantastic trainers whilst riding the most beautiful horses was just and incredible experience and one that my wife and I will always remember. Thank you to all at Monte Velho and Abbie at In The Saddle for all that you have done for us. Magical memories made.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your feedback on your stay at Monte Velho. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your holiday.]

Martine (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) The horses were super strong and sure on their "feet".
Very different terrain, including steep descents and ascents.
You must be comfortable with heights and steep mountain sides to participate in this ride. In addition, have reasonable/good fitness and be a steady rider! This is important for your own and the group's safety, and to ensure that everyone has a good trip 🙂
Nothing to complain about in terms of tack. Comfortable saddles, sweet and lovely horses and a super guide!
Amazing scenery - I will definitely go back one day!

Georgina (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Simply the best | Would have been nice to have done more than a walk on the trail ride, we were looking forward to blowing the cobwebs away, but there was a beginner on the ride which was a shame for us. Otherwise it was just amazing and a privilege to ride the beautiful Lusitanos.

[Abbie from ITS replies: Thank you for your feedback on your recent holiday at Monte Velho. We appreciate your taking the time to tell us about it.]

Vivien who has been on 45 In The Saddle rides. Fabulous | This holiday was a wonderful experience all round. I had no idea Tanzania had such a diverse landscape. The first two days were spent riding through stunning rainforest (enormous trees) in the foothills of Mount Meru and then moving on to the wide plains and savannah for the next four days. The riding was pretty full-on from day one i.e. definitely fast riding over rough ground. We started off with fast trotting through the forest, weaving between trees and dodging branches and thorn bushes at speed, followed by fast canters across open plains in the savannah (with lots of gentle walking in between). It was really good fun and mainly about trusting your horse to cope with the terrain, which they did magnificently. I rode a gorgeous mare for the first 4 days who carried herself so well, I could canter on the buckle. The last 2 days I rode a little speed machine who was really friendly and good fun. All the horses were so well behaved and affectionate on the ground - a real testament as to how well they are treated. Jo Westermark runs a really impressive set-up, she was a real pleasure to ride with and a great leader. Her team were amazing and provided incredible service (hot showers ready within a minute or two of requesting one), delicious food cooked by the kitchen team and the horses cared for with real love and attention. Very impressed.

[Abbie from ITS replies - thank you for your wonderful feedback. We loved reading about your adventures in Tanzania and are so pleased that you enjoyed your safari].

Carolina (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) It's a life changing experience! | Excellent

Leah (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Miyak Tribe Trail | Excellent

Anne-Marie who has been on 30 In The Saddle rides. Great fun | Riders were well matched with horses following an in-depth discussion and a very short ridden assessment in the paddock. My horse, Jafar, was very controllable but also had a great turn of speed that meant that as I grew in confidence with him I was happily able to go flat out and even win a race! He was very sure footed and incredibly comfortable which was good as these are long days. Safety was also prioritised, air jackets were available to those who wanted them and I took advantage of this, and a couple of day trippers who were supposed to join in an afternoon ride were told that their riding was not of sufficient standard to do this.The scenery is beautiful and we were blessed with great riding weather, with only a couple of very brief showers.
[Olwen from In The Saddle replies - we are so glad you enjoyed this great riding adventure.]

Jill who has been on 5 In The Saddle rides. Wonderful riding with wildlife | We had a fantastic ride leader in Anna - she knew the horses very well and where to find the wildlife. The terrain is sandy and allows for lots of long trots and long canters, but we also had plenty of time to view wildlife - spending time riding with a giraffe family was very special.

Evening rides end with a sundowner in the bush, after which the horses are untacked and released to make their own way home overnight.

Daniela (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) The perfect horse safari | Very good eye to match the perfect horse. Which live their best life in the reserve.
[Becky from In The Saddle replies: Thank you very much for your feedback, we are so pleased that you enjoyed your holiday to Ant's]

Nicola (this is their first In The Saddle holiday) Relaxing, amazing food and views | The two ladies teaching my daughter further riding skills were excellent. They were really friendly and positive and encouraging too.

My daughter and me were also able to organise a short hack together with the guide, which was a fabulous experience. [In The Saddle replies: Thank you for your lovely feedback. We are pleased to hear how much you enjoyed your family holiday in Crete.]